LOCAL Freemasons at The Cross Keys Masonic Centre in Thurrock have always been committed to charitable work across Essex, Never more so than in Easter.

Two years ago, they made national headlines after donating more than 1,000 Easter eggs to community groups throughout the region. Last year, they organised numerous Easter egg hunts for local groups supporting vulnerable children and this year, their efforts have been equally inspiring, and the members of the now-established Cross Keys Community Fund have been busy again.

They have donated hundreds of Easter Eggs and Easter crafts to women's refuges, special needs youth groups, and Knit and Natter groups in Thurrock and Basildon.

The Stifford Dolphins, a local Cubs Pack, were given a large donation to help support their exciting Spring Camp at Thriftwood Scout Campsite & Activity Centre in Brentwood. The camp is always popular and offers fun activities like abseiling, archery, and axe throwing for the young cubs to enjoy.

A 47-inch TV was purchased and donated to the Thurrock and Brentwood Mind Charity in Grays, which was part of a project led by the Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Little, to create a sensory garden. The garden will serve as a relaxing space for the charity's clients to unwind.

The CKCF also collaborated with Knit and Natter groups in Fobbing and Chadwell St Mary, by providing materials to create 'Twiddle Muffs'. These were donated to local residential homes like Willows Lodge in Tilbury and Merrie Loots Care Home in East Tilbury. 'Twiddle Muffs' are knitted muffs with items attached to keep dementia patients' hands active and busy. They contain strands of textured ribbons, beads, and various fabrics attached both inside and outside. People with dementia often have restless hands and like to have something to keep their hands occupied.

More recently, the Stifford Clays PPG Knitting Club received hundreds of Cadbury's Crème Eggs and wool donations, which they used to knit hundreds of Easter woolen gifts. These gifts were then donated to NHS staff at Basildon, Royal London, and Queens Hospital in Romford and Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford among many other local groups and residential homes.

Dave Barton, Essex Freemason and Chairman of the Cross Keys Community Fund, expressed his enthusiasm for involving people in charity during Easter, saying: "With spring in full bloom, everyone feels energised to contribute, and the CKCF takes pride in supporting Viv (Stifford Clays Knitting Club), who works tirelessly for the local community.

"We love to support all the community groups and charities that we work with, as it encompasses four important values that help define Freemasons: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service"